Mikel Oyarzabal Plays 30 Minutes Without Touching Ball

Mikel Oyarzabal, the hero of the Euro 2024 final, became the first recorded player since 1966 to complete the opening 30 minutes of a World Cup match without touching the ball. The record was set in the first half of Spain's Group H World Cup match against Cape Verde. Opta highlighted the statistic, underscoring La Roja's collective struggles in that half. The absence of Lamine Yamal, who began the game on the bench, was evident. Cape Verde's opening performance earned praise despite the result.